A Tale of Two Dreams

Going into this year, my plan was to write on this blog weekly about rural and unconventional travel. But if you’ve been following along, you’ve probably noticed that it’s been a while since my last post.

Mary in New York City, November 2024

Attending graduate school is both a curse and a blessing. On one hand, I feel so fortunate to have this incredible opportunity to further my education. On the other, I feel that all of my time is consumed by it. As a first-generation college student, I don’t take that for granted. But I often struggle when I see my friends making money in their careers, getting promotions, and establishing themselves—becoming fully financially independent, even purchasing homes or moving in with partners/spouses.

I look at where I am and feel a sense of being behind. I’m still in school, have no clear idea of where I’ll work after graduation, and often wish I could know where my place in the world will be. But I also have a deep passion for science and a thirst for learning more about it.

When pursuing two dreams—furthering my education and career in science, and traveling the world to discover new places—I often feel pulled in two directions. Am I making the right decisions? One thing I’ve learned, or hope to learn, is that there will always be decisions to make. And you’ll never truly know what could happen if you don’t take those chances.

Although this post isn’t about travel, I think it’s important to address these kinds of things. It’s also crucial to recognize that chasing dreams comes with sacrifice. Often, we need stability in our careers and education before we can fully chase other passions, or we may have to sacrifice one dream to chase another.

I just hope that, one day, even though I may always face tough decisions, I’ll find a balance between feeling fulfilled in my life and doing what’s ‘necessary’ to maintain stability.

What ‘Sojourner’ Means to Me

Mary in Kenya, August 2023.

When I first heard the term "sojourner," I had no idea what it meant. Curious, I quickly researched its definition and origin, and to my surprise, it resonated deeply with me.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the world—fascinated by cultures, landscapes, and cities so different from my own. Yet, despite my curiosity, my anxiety disorder often held me back from acting on the dreams and ambitions I held so close. Traveling felt like an unattainable goal, something that other people did, but not me.

Then, I came across a quote by one of my favorite YouTubers: “Feel the fear, and do it anyway.” Around the same time, I heard another: “Learn to starve your fear with your soul’s hunger.” Those words stayed with me, encouraging me to confront my fears, one step at a time. With support and encouragement from my friends and family, I eventually found the courage to board a plane by myself and traveled to visit family friends in their home country. That first journey, almost nine years ago now, changed everything.

Mary in Prague, May 2022.

The more I reflect on the concept, the more I realize how closely it aligns with my faith as a Catholic. In the Bible, the term "sojourner" translates the Hebrew word gēr.

“sojourner” is an individual or group residing in a community that is not originally their own. It conveys the idea that the sojourner relies on the good of others for their time in a place that is not theirs. Christians are often described as ‘sojourners of the earth’—temporary residents called to live by the values of their home in heaven.

This understanding has added an additional layer of meaning to my travels and my life. To me, being a sojourner is about more than just exploring new places; it’s about the journey of life, learning from others, and embodying the values of faith and gratitude. As I continue to travel, I hope to live as a true sojourner—grounded in my faith, yet open to wisdom this world and the people I meet along the way have to offer.

 

My First Journal Entry

Mary in Bozeman, Montana

Nestled on a snowy road in Carrabassett Valley sits a cozy A-frame cabin, surrounded by string lights against the backdrop of snow-covered pines. The scene feels like stepping into a postcard, instantly wrapping me in the warm nostalgia of my college days.

Back then, I would spend nights at the Maine Outing Club Cabin, just down the road from this very spot, after unforgettable days with friends at Sugarloaf Mountain. Those weekends were more than just escapes—they were moments that shaped me, filled with laughter, adventure, and a growing love for the kind of life I wanted to live.

This quick weekend getaway has given me the space to reconnect with myself, find inspiration, and reflect on the places and moments that made me who I am. It’s reminded me of what I truly love and what I’m eager to experience more of as I continue the journey of life.

Stay tuned as I share my journal entries along the way, tracing my steps from here to wherever life leads. My dream is to someday find my way back to Maine… <3

But for now, my story begins as a graduate student in Montana—and it is a place that’s just as wild as the dreams I’m chasing.